AUSTIN (AP) - The Senate Public Education Committee has begun what appears will be a long debate over standardized testing and high graduation requirements in Texas.

Committee Chairman Dan Patrick on Tuesday laid out his plan to reduce the number of tests needed to graduate from 15 to at least four. He wants to allow students to choose between focusing on vocational training or college preparation.

But senators from both parties said Patrick was trying to push his plan too fast and with too many unanswered questions.

Teachers, parents and business groups all agree a new system started last year needs to change. But there is little consensus on how.

End of course exams will no longer count toward grades, but debate remains on how many and what tests students should take.

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